Back row Sam Dugdale was educated at the same school as Richard Wigglesworth and enjoyed plenty of success at Kirkham Grammar going two seasons unbeaten from 2014-2016.
Sam was a key component of the highly successful Kirkham Grammar side, including an outstanding try against Abingdon in one of his last games for the school.
Furthermore, the back rower won the Lancashire Cup three years in a row whilst playing for his Preston Grasshoppers where he picked up the Outstanding Achievement award at U15 level.
After impressing at school and club level, Sam was called up to the England U16 side to face Wales in 2016 as the start of his international pathway.
The international recognition was one of the proudest moments in his career to date.
He joined Sale Sharks’ Academy in 2015 and soon made his way into the U18 side and earned himself a five-year contract in 2018 along with a bursary to help with his rugby development.
He played a crucial part in Sale Sharks Academy’s journey to the Premiership Academy’s finals day in March 2018 and started at No 8 against Harlequins in the fifth/sixth play-off.
His father Ian was also a noteworthy sportsman and still holds the long jump record at Garstang Community Academy in Lancashire, a record he's held since 1982.
He was released by the club at the end of the 19/20 season upon completion of his contract after the club was forced to review the financial impact of the COVID 19 and after only a few months away, he resigned with the Sharks on a short-term contract, following a string of injuries in the Sale back-row.
The 20 year-old took his opportunity with both hands and impressed the Sale coaching staff with his ability, desire and determination after re-signing. Dugdale was included in the Heineken Champions Cup squad the following year and was rewarded with a new contract that will see him remain with the Sharks until 2023.
S.C MAY 2023
Career
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Sale Sharks No. 8 |
2018 - present |
